Papuan white rattan
Calamus hollrungii

Family: Arecaceae

What it is like

A vigorous climbing palm 10-15 m tall. The stems are 2.5 cm wide. It can be 26 m long. It produces side roots at the nodes and can have stilt roots at the base. The stalk usually ends with a tendril like structure up to 1 m long. The fronds are 3-4 m long and usually without a leaf stalk. The sheath around the stem is armed with spines up to 4 cm long. The leaflets are 20-40 in number and are broad, long, smooth and dark green. They are 25 cm long. They have small spines along the main veins towards the base of the leaflet. The flower branch is a large hanging branched flower stalk. The fruit are 0.8-1.2 cm across and cream in colour.

There are 375-400 Calamus species. There are 175 species in tropical Asia. Probably now Calamus aruensis Becc.;

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It is very frost sensitive. It is mostly found growing in lowland rainforest. It needs a shady position and well-drained soil. It is often along stream banks.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands

How it is used for food

Unknown what part is edible. Possibly flesh of fruit.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. Seed germinate in 3-4 months. Seed should be sown fresh.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Palmijuncus aruensis (Becc.) Kuntze;